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Decking Your Home with Autumn Curtains: Warmth, Style, and Seasonal Comfort Transform your home this autumn with cosy, stylish curtains. Discover how thermal and blackout designs add warmth, elegance, and energy savings. As the days shorten and the evenings draw in, your home deserves a seasonal refresh. One of the simplest yet most transformative ways to do it? Swapping out your summer window dressings for plush autumn curtains. In this guide, we’ll explore how to deck your home for autumn with curtains that not only look beautiful but also help keep you warm, reduce energy bills, and set the mood for those golden evenings ahead. Why Autumn Curtains Matter Warmth Meets Aesthetic Autumn is all about layering -in your wardrobe and your home. Just as you trade linen shirts for wool knits, your windows need an upgrade too. Lightweight voiles won’t hold back the chill, but thermal and blackout curtains can insulate your space while looking effortlessly elegant. Thermal curtains like Amberley Thermal Lined Eyelet Curtains add a subtle texture and rich depth to your decor while locking in warmth. They’re the quiet heroes of autumn home styling -practical, understated, and surprisingly luxurious. Comfort You Can Feel When temperatures dip, your windows are often the coldest points in your home. Properly lined curtains can help retain up to 25% more heat, meaning you’ll feel cosier without constantly adjusting the thermostat. https://themillshop.co.uk/products/carnoustie-blackout-eyelet-curtains?variant=51501401473371 See Product Choosing the Perfect Autumn Curtain Fabrics Velvet: The Season’s Statement Texture Velvet is the unofficial fabric of autumn. It’s soft, indulgent, and instantly elevates a room. For a touch of timeless sophistication, try the Oxford Thermal Velvet Pencil Pleat Curtains. Their deep, rich tones — think forest green, burgundy, or navy — bring drama and warmth to any interior. Shop our other Velvet Curtains here Thermal Linings: The Hidden Hero Thermal linings do more than just keep out the cold. They also help block out drafts and maintain a steady room temperature. Perfect for north-facing rooms or homes with older windows, these linings can subtly transform how your space feels day to day. Blackout for Better Sleep If your bedroom faces a streetlight or you’re simply after a cocooning feel, blackout curtains are ideal. Try the Casa Blackout Eyelet Curtains — sleek, modern, and versatile enough to suit both contemporary and traditional spaces. /products/blackout-curtain-linings See Product Autumn Colour Palettes That Warm the Soul Earthy Neutrals Beige, taupe, and oatmeal never go out of style. Pairing these shades with natural materials-wooden floors, rattan furniture, wool rugs -creates a calm, organic backdrop that mirrors the landscape outside. Deep Jewel Tones For bolder decorators, deep plum, rust, and emerald are this season’s statement hues. The Carnoustie Blackout Eyelet Curtains make a perfect choice here – rich in colour yet practical for everyday life. Soft Metallics Don’t overlook the shimmer of soft gold or bronze tones. They reflect warm light beautifully, adding a glow that’s especially welcome as evenings darken /products/chenille-blackout-eyelet-curtains See Product Styling Tips for an Autumn-Ready Home Layer Textures for Depth Layering isn’t just for fashion. Combine heavy drapes with soft throws, woven cushions, and textured rugs. The result? A room that feels as inviting as it looks. Mix Patterns Mindfully Autumn is a great time to experiment with pattern - subtle checks, damask motifs, or even gentle florals. Keep it cohesive by choosing one dominant hue and echoing it across accessories. Don’t Forget the Hardware Eyelet curtains, like the Amberley Thermal Lined Eyelet Curtains, glide easily along their poles, giving a clean and modern finish. For a softer, traditional look, go for pencil pleats paired with decorative tiebacks. Shop our full Hardware range here https://themillshop.co.uk/products/amberley-thermal-lined-eyelet-curtains?_pos=1&_psq=amberley&_ss=e&_v=1.0&variant=51500322193755 See Product Beyond Aesthetics - The Practical Benefits Energy Efficiency Thermal and blackout curtains can act as natural insulators, helping reduce heating costs - a small investment that pays back over a long, cold UK winter. Privacy & Peace Thicker fabrics create a sense of sanctuary, perfect for quiet evenings or lazy Sunday mornings when you just want to stay cocooned. Low Maintenance, Long-Lasting Many modern curtain fabrics are machine washable and durable, meaning they’ll stay beautiful season after season with minimal fuss. https://themillshop.co.uk/products/hampton-thermal-velvet-eyelet-curtains?variant=51519557009755

Discover whether thermal or blackout curtains are the right choice for your home this winter - warmth, darkness, energy-saving, all covered. When the nights draw in and the chill starts to creep through your windows, you might find yourself wondering: “Should I reach for thermal curtains or blackout curtains this winter?” It’s a good question. Both serve a purpose, but they’re not quite the same, especially when it comes to thermal vs blackout curtains . Today we’ll walk through the differences, the benefits of each, and help you decide which curtain style suits your home, your lifestyle and your winter ambitions. /products/amberley-thermal-lined-eyelet-curtains /products/carnoustie-blackout-eyelet-curtains Why this matters for your home A cold draft is more than just annoying Many UK homes, especially older ones, experience considerable heat loss through their windows. According to one estimate, installing window coverings like thick, lined curtains can help minimise heat escaping and keep room temperatures more consistent. The winter window challenge In winter you’re facing two major issues: heat escaping and less natural light. A great curtain not only looks good but can help you feel warmer, sleep better, and spendless on energy bills. Matching rooms to needs Not every room has the same demands. A snug living room might prioritise insulation, whereas a bedroom might prioritise darkness. That’s why understanding thermal vs blackout curtains helps you match curtain type to purpose. What are thermal curtains? How they work Thermal curtains are specifically designed to reduce heat transfer. They often use a multi-layer construction (for example, the fabric front + insulating lining + backing) so they trap a cushion of air between the window and the room.  That ‘air pocket’ acts like a barrier.  Key benefits They help keep warmth in during winter and can reflect unwanted sun/heat during summer Because of their lining and heavier fabric, they can also reduce draughts and make a room feel cosier.  They tend to be slightly more flexible in style (you might get more light filtering through) which makes them suitable for living rooms or multi-purpose spaces. /products/chenille-blackout-pencil-pleat-curtains https://themillshop.co.uk/products/hampton-thermal-velvet-eyelet-curtains?_pos=1&_sid=594224f20&_ss=r&variant=51519557009755 What are blackout curtains?  How they work Blackout curtains are built with light-blocking in mind. Their fabrics are densely woven or coated so that very little (if any) light passes through. Some also incorporate insulating or thermal features, but that’s not their main function  Key benefits They can create near-total darkness, which is great for bedrooms, nurseries or rooms with lots of external light.  They also help with insulation and can trap heat in (or block heat gain) because of their dense fabric.  Excellent for privacy and blocking streetlights, external glow, early sunrise etc. /products/casa-blackout-eyelet-curtains /products/temple-velvet-blackout-eyelet-curtains Feature Thermal Curtains Blackout Curtains Primary function Insulation – retaining warmth + reducing heat loss Light blocking – creating darkness + added insulation as secondary benefit  Light control Moderate – some light may filter through Very high – near complete darkness possible Best rooms Living rooms, dining rooms, draught-prone windows Bedrooms, nurseries, shift-worker rooms, media rooms Style/fabric flexibility Typically a wide choice, more options for finishes Often heavier fabrics, fewer ultra-light options Cost/installation May need good hardware due to weight, but focused on insulation Heavier hardware often needed, but purpose-built for darkness Winter benefit Excellent for energy efficiency and thermal retention. Good benefit too, but primary goal isn’t always insulation alone. So, in short: If your priority is warmth, comfort and energy-saving through winter, go with thermal. Shop our full Thermal Curtains Range here If you prioritise darkness, privacy or blocking external light, go with blackout. Shop our full Blackout Curtains range here  Ask yourself the right questions Do you struggle with cold windows, draughts or rooms that feel chilly despite the heating? → Lean thermal Is your bedroom disturbed by streetlights, early sunrise or external glow and you need really dark space to sleep? → Lean blackout What room is it for? If it’s a living room where you still want natural light and a cosy feel, thermal may be more suitable. If it’s a restful space like a bedroom, blackout may win.  Consider combining both In some cases, you might even layer: a thermal curtain for insulation + a blackout liner or separate blackout curtain for times you want darkness. This gives you the flexibility of insulation and full light control. See how it works on real products available Our  Amberley Thermal Lined Eyelet Curtains are a good example of a thermal-lined solution. Our  Hampton Thermal Velvet Eyelet Curtains add luxury texture along with thermal benefit. On the blackout side, check our  Carnoustie Blackout Eyelet Curtains and the Chester 100% Blackout Eyelet CurtainsThese show you how different ranges cater to each purpose. Practical winter tips Hang your curtains as close to the wall or ceiling as possible to minimise draught paths. Ensure they extend past the window edge and ideally to the floor (or just above) to seal the window area. Use heavier heading styles (eyelet, pencil pleat) for better effect. Keep your window hardware durable-heavy fabrics need good poles/tracks. While a curtain helps a lot, it doesn’t replace proper window insulation or draught-proofing. It complements it. When it comes to winter, choosing between thermal vs blackout curtains isn’t about one being better than the other -it’s about which is more suitable for your space and your needs. Next step? Take a look at your room: check your windows, lighting conditions, what you want your curtains to do. Then head over to our website to explore the thermal and blackout options (like those mentioned above), and you’ll be winter-ready in style. Winter comfort sorted.

How to Measure a Bay Window for Curtains - Your Step-by-Step Guide Avoid measuring mistakes - learn how to measure a bay window for curtains accurately and confidently, so your new window treatment fits like a glove. Why Getting the Measurement Right Matters Avoid the “too short or too narrow” nightmare If you under-measure your bay window you’ll end up with curtains that … don’t quite reach or don’t fully close, leaving awkward gaps or light streaming where you didn’t want it. Ensure full curtains that gather and stack neatly Add enough width so that when your curtains are open, they can "stack" neatly at the sides, rather than blocking part of the view. Guides recommend adding at least 20-30 cm on each outer side. Make the installation future-proof When you measure well, you’ll choose the right hardware (pole or track), avoid nasty surprises when fitting brackets and get the aesthetic you’re after (think full-length drama, or modern neat finish). https://themillshop.co.uk/products/laura-ashley-haywood-holdback?_pos=9&_sid=cdbc105b8&_ss=r&variant=51674275643739/products/laura-ashley-haywood-holdback 1: Identify What Type of Bay You've Got Before pulling out the tape measure, it helps to know what sort of bay window you’re dealing with - because measurement varies slightly. Angled bay vs box bay vs curved/bow bay An angled bay has window panels that meet at clear corners (e.g. 3-sided or 5-sided). A box bay is more rectangular or square outward-projection. A bow bay or curved bay has gentle curves rather than sharp angles.Knowing this helps you decide whether you’ll use a bendable track, angled connectors or a rigid pole. Decide hardware: curtain track or pole As noted by bandaged guides, tracks (especially flexible ones) give more seamless movement around curves. Poles can work beautifully but need correct connectors and overhangs. Shop our hardware range here to choose from our options. Note the walls, returns, and side allowances Check whether the bay returns onto short walls (so curtains can sit back on those walls) or whether there is little side wall to tuck behind. This affects how much overhang to allow. 2: Measure the Width – The Crucial Number: This is the part where many people go wrong. Let’s break it down clearly. Step-by-step for angled bay Using a rigid tape or a soft tape (for curved tracks) measure the width of each wall section of the bay: from the start of the pole/track on side wall to the angle, then across the next section, and so on. Add the widths of all sides together to get the total width your pole or track will cover. Allow for overhang – it’s advisable to extend the pole/track beyond the outer windows by about 15-30 cm (6-12 in) on each outer side so the curtains can be drawn back without blocking light For curved or bow bays If your bay is curved, you’ll likely use a bendable track. You should run a soft tape or piece of string along the curve from the start to end point to get the width across the curve. Check for any finials, brackets or side limitations When using a pole, check whether finials add length, or whether the wall ends abruptly thus restricting how far you can overhang. Some guides emphasise subtracting allowance if brackets take up length.  3: Measure the Drop – How Long Should Your Curtains Be Once you know the width, next up is how far your curtains will drop – and of course you want it to look right. Decide how you want your curtains to finish Typical options in the UK: Above sill (just 1-2 cm above) Below sill (15-20 cm below) Floor length (1-2 cm above floor) – the most elegant for living rooms. Measure from correct fixing point For tracks: measure from the top edge of the track down. For poles: measure from the underside of the ring / eyelet (or where the curtain will hang). Some guides say measure from the top of pole then subtract a small allowance. Take three drop measurements Because walls/floors may not be perfectly level, take a measurement left, centre and right and use the shortest as your drop length. This avoids curtains hitting floor or bunching.  4: Practical Tips & Common Pitfalls to Avoid Allow for furniture, radiators or sills If you have a radiator under the bay window or deep sill, you might want curtains just to a sill length or slightly above radiator height rather than puddling on the floor. Many UK homes have this. Bracket vs ceiling fix If there’s less than ~15 cm above window frame to ceiling, a wall bracket may not fit and you’ll need a ceiling bracket for the pole/track. Make sure your heading style is compatible If using a track, some heading types (e.g., eyelets) may not work well because the hooks may snag at the corners in a bay. Good planning avoids that. Don’t assume symmetry Bay windows often aren’t perfectly symmetrical - each side could differ by a few cm. Measure each section individually rather than assuming “oh all five sides must be the same”. Double-check everything Yes, measure twice. Then check once more. While you’re already up on the stool. Because once you order your curtains or pole/track, changes may be costly or awkward. Ask someone to hold the tape if you can. /products/hampshire-pencil-pleat-curtains /products/eclipse-blackout-pencil-pleat-curtains 5: Now You’re Ready to Choose Curtains With accurate measurements in hand, you’re well on your way to selecting curtains that fit beautifully. Ready-made vs made-to-measure If your bay window dimensions are non-standard (which many are), you might want to explore made-to-measure. But if they fall into common size ranges, our ready-made curtains collection may suit you. Choose the right hardware for your measurement For example, you might use the flexible net rod for large bay windows if your bay has unusual angles or you’re after a more subtle curtain solution. Installing the correct pole/track means your curtains will hang and move as intended.

How to measure Eyelet curtains the right way for your home Have you ever picked out a gorgeous set of eyelet curtains, only to hang them up and realise they’re either too short, too narrow or simply don’t drape as you imagined? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, getting the measurements right is often the trickiest part of buying curtains. Whether you’re buying ready-made or going custom, by the end of this guide you’ll be ready to measure like a pro-and choose eyelet curtains that look smart, hang neatly and suit your home. /products/cotswold-lined-eyelet-curtains /products/cosmos-blackout-eyelet-curtains Why Accurate Measures Make All the Difference: You avoid awkward gaps or curtains that tug on the floor If your width is too narrow or your drop too long, you’ll end up with a less polished look-or worse, curtains that drag or don’t cover properly. Eyelet curtains demand specific measurement rules Because of the way eyelet headings sit on the pole, the measurement method differs slightly from other styles. For example, you often measure from the top of the pole rather than the ring or eyelet itself. A good fit = a room that feels cared for When your curtains hang correctly, they instantly elevate the room. It’s about more than function-it’s about aesthetics, texture, style and making your space feel finished. Measure the Width – How Wide Should Your Eyelet Curtains Be? Decide whether you have a pole already installed If you already have a curtain pole up, measure the distance between the finials (the decorative ends). That’s your width measurement.If you don’t have a pole yet, measure your window width and add extra either side so the curtains can stack back neatly and light/draught doesn’t creep in. Shop our Curtain Poles here. How much extra width do you need? A good rule of thumb: add at least 15 cm to each side of the window (or more if you want grander drape) so the curtain panel can stack back without blocking the window or looking Choose curtain width based on pole/track width When choosing ready-made eyelet curtains: the width of each panel should match (or slightly exceed) the width of the pole/track. If in doubt, choose slightly wider for better fullness.  /products/sade-eyelet-curtains Measure the Drop (Length) – How Long Should Your Eyelet Curtains Be? Decide where you want your curtains to finish Typical finish options in UK homes for eyelet curtains: Just above the windowsill (≈ 1 cm above) Below the sill (≈ 15 cm below) Floor-length (≈ 1 cm above floor) Start measuring from the top of the pole For eyelet headings the key starting point is the top of the curtain pole (or the underside of the finials, depending on your set-up). Some guides say to add about 3-4 cm to accommodate the part of the fabric above the eyelet. Take multiple drop measurements for accuracy Because floors or ceilings may not always be level, measure at three points (left, middle, right) and use the smallest measurement so your curtains won’t drag or puddle unless you want them to.  See Product Selecting the Right Eyelet Curtain Style & Fit Check your pole diameter and curtain header compatibility Eyelet curtains need a suitable pole diameter—some will only fit poles up to a certain size (for example up to 28 mm). Heavier fabrics (velvet, lined) often require stronger poles. Consider stack-back (how far curtains gather at sides) If your fabric is heavy or thick, remember the stack-back (how much space the curtains take when open) may be larger-this impacts your width and how much of the window you’ll still see when curtains are open. Whether ready-made or made-to-measure If your measurements align with standard ready-made sizes, you can choose from options like the Chenille Blackout Eyelet Curtains, Velvet Blackout Eyelet Curtains or Cotswold Lined Eyelet curtains on the site. If your window is an unusual size, custom might be smarter. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them: Mistake: Measuring the window not the pole One frequent error: measuring the window recess instead of the pole/track width-when in fact the width to provide is often the pole/track measurement. Mistake: Forgetting the extra curtain above the eyelet Because eyelet curtains sit on the pole through their metal rings, you must allow extra fabric above the eyelet (3-4 cm is common) so the eyelets don’t sit awkwardly. Mistake: Leaving no side overlap or under-estimating stack-back If you don’t allow enough width, the closed curtain may not fully cover the window or you’ll lose a large portion of your view when curtains are open. Mistake: Not checking level floor or uneven headers Especially older homes: floor or window frames may not be perfectly level. Measure three drop points and use the smallest. If you skip this, your curtains might drag or look untidy. /products/amberley-thermal-lined-eyelet-curtains So, grab your tape measure, note your exact figures, and when you head over to choose from eyelet options (like the ones on our site), you’ll do so with confidence. Your home will thank you-your windows will look the part, and you’ll enjoy a space that feels polished.